A Digital Nomad Guide to Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia Visa for Bali

Most nationalities (over 160) do not technically need a visa to go to Bali. They can stay in the country for 30 days visa-free but have to leave once this time is up. For digital nomads who plan on staying in Indonesia for more than 30 days, it may be advisable to either get a 30-day visa on arrival which can be extended once for another 30 days or to apply for a 60-day visa before you go. This lets you stay in the country for 60 days before you have to exit.

Although many digital nomads do the famous “visa run” every 60 days to get a new visa this can be tiresome and expensive. To get around the 60-day visa rule many apply for a Sosial Budaya Visa which is meant for visiting Indonesian friends and family but is issued quite liberally. With this visa, you get to stay in the country for 60 days and can extend four more times for 30 days each giving you a total of 180 days in Indonesia before you have to leave. 

At the moment this is the best option for digital nomads who plan to stay in Bali for an extended period of time. Working visas are hard to come by and nearly impossible to get if you’re not with a large company who is sending you to Indonesia to work. The only other way to get one as a foreigner is if you start your own company in Bali which might be an option if you’re planning on making it a more permanent home base.

Culture and Food in Bali

It is a common misconception that Bali is its own country because it is so different from the rest of Indonesia. The island practises its own unique form of Hinduism which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. It is distinctly different from Indian Hinduism and combines aspects of Buddhism and Malay ancestor cult.

While 87% of Indonesia is Muslim and a further 9,8% is Christian, 83% of Bali’s population identifies as Balinese Hindus. They have their own traditions and beliefs which are unique to Bali with beautiful architecture, colourful traditional clothing and festivities.

When you come to Bali, you’ll soon notice the many colourful flower offerings in front of every shop and even in the middle of the street. They’re called Canang Sari and are prepared every single day by the majority of the population to please the various gods. 

For the Balinese, the harmony between good and bad is very important in everyday life. Their beliefs are very close to nature and place importance on traditions and ceremonies. 

One of the most important days of the year in Bali is “Nyepi” or silent day. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Balinese calendar and usually takes place some time in March. On silent day everything in Bali will be closed and no one is allowed to leave the house.

It is a day meant for fasting and meditation and in most cases, even the electricity and internet will be shut off other than for large hotels and hostels. The Banjar (local police) will patrol the streets and ensure no one is breaking these rules which can be punished with a fee. If you’re in Bali during silent day you should make sure to go food shopping the day before and be respectful of this unique tradition.

Bali Local Food

If you want the best local culinary experience, you should go to a “warung”. These small local restaurants are the best place to try all the dishes that are typical for Bali. The most popular ones are “Nasi Goreng” and “Mie Goreng”, which are delicious fried rice or noodles served with vegetables or meat. Fish, chicken or pork mixed with vegetables and rice and seasoned with many different spices are also widely available and very affordable.

You can get a filling meal with a drink at a warung for less than 3$. Near the beach, you will often come across street stalls offering fried buttery corn on the cob for only around 1.50$. This is a great snack and won’t break the bank.

Beef is not consumed very often in the local cuisine, as it is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. If you’re looking for a juicy rump steak, you will find one in one of the many western restaurants. These offer high-quality foods from around the world like pizza, burgers or tacos.

While there are some affordable western food options around these can also be quite pricey so eating at a warung will be your best bet if you’re on a budget.

Bali Nightlife

Bali is one of the best places for nightlife in all of South-East-Asia. Over the years Kuta’s Jalan Legian has become a hotspot for large clubs, rooftop lounges and bars with very affordable drinks. A popular place to go in Kuta are the all-you-can-eat-and-drink BBQ nights where you pay a flat fee to have a delicious BBQ meal as well as free-flow drinks.

Skygarden and LXXY are the most popular clubs for these offers, both of which have incredible rooftop decks. Going out on a budget has never been so easy if all you have to pay all night is an 8$ entry fee. If you’re looking to party then Kuta is the place to go. With packed clubs and international DJs playing all night you’ll never be bored. Some of the most popular ones include The Engine Room, ShiShi Bali or the Bounty Discotheque. 

While Kuta is definitely the party central of Bali, you might enjoy Canggu’s more laid back and less aggressive nightlife. You’ll still find clubs in Canggu although they’re more backpacker oriented with a community of expat and locals. Head to the Sandbar for parties on the beach or Gimme Shelter and Pretty Poison to party all night with renowned DJs. 

While you can find parties almost every day of the week the biggest nights to go out in Bali are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Around Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Canggu there are often large house parties in private villas which are popular amongst those living in Bali full time. Parties and club nights in Bali tend to go on until the early morning and some don’t even start until midnight.

Canggu is known for its beach clubs which are great for a chill afternoon and turn into open-air clubs in the evenings. There is a great selection to choose from but some of the most popular ones include Finns Beach Club, Old Mans or La Brisa. Come here with friends in the early evening for some drinks and stay all night for some of Canggu’s best parties.

Stay Safe

Bali’s nightlife is considered to be relatively safe if you use your common sense. It’s always advisable to take care if you’re by yourself and avoid walking home alone as a female. However, this is not to say that Bali is dangerous, it is still a very safe place compared to large cities around the world.

It’s advisable to steer clear of very cheap alcohol which is often homebrewed and can contain dangerous ingredients. This is common in many parts of South East Asia and can easily be avoided by buying bottled or name-brand drinks.

Bali has many great options for a relaxed night out if clubs and wild parties are not what you’re looking for. You’ll find small beach bars or quieter bars with live music all around Seminyak, Legian and Canggu. There is always something going on in Bali and with thousands of places to choose from there’s something for everyone. 

Things to do in Bali

• Visit Ubud

  Ubud is a town known for its art and culture. It is a lot quieter than Kuta or Legian and a popular getaway for those interested in yoga or meditation. There are plenty of things to see in Ubud such as the Sacred Monkey Forest, where hundreds of monkeys roam freely. Then there are the famous rice terraces which are perfect for an early morning walk. In the centre of town, you can find the popular Ubud Market where you can shop for traditional art and souvenirs.

• Participate in a traditional cooking class

  Taking a cooking class is a great way to learn more about the traditional Balinese cuisine and culture. There are plenty of culinary schools to choose from around the island although some of the most famous ones are located in Ubud. Classes usually cost between 30-50$ per person and you will be taught how to cook multiple meals. Before cooking, you’ll go to a traditional market such as the Jimbaran Fish Market to shop for your ingredients.

• Admire the incredible Tanah Lot Temple

  

  The Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most popular attractions and an absolute must-see. This temple lies on a small rocky island just 50 meters from the beach. Located north of Canggu Tanah Lot is best visited in the evenings for sunset. Keep in mind that tourists are not allowed to enter the actual temple but the view of the outside is well worth a visit.

• Take surf lessons

  Bali is a great place for beginners to learn how to surf. Especially around Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu, the surf conditions are usually ideal for inexperienced surfers while the south of Bali is more challenging. Surf lessons are affordable and start at around 20$ for 1-2 hours. You can either join one of the many surf schools or hire a private teacher on the beach. There is a good chance that you’ll be able to stand up on the surfboard after your first lesson.

• Drive to Uluwatu

  Uluwatu lies on the southern tip of Bali and is home to some of the best surf breaks on the island. Visit the famous Uluwatu Temple that lies on top of impressive cliffs and see one of the popular Kecak fire dance shows that make this area famous. Uluwatu is known for its incredible beaches that tend to be less crowded than those in Kuta or Seminyak. 

• Explore abandoned planes

  There are at least four (if not more) abandoned planes scattered around the island of Bali. Their origins are largely unknown but they have attracted crowds of curious tourists over the years. The planes are in varying conditions and some can even be seen from the inside. One of the most accessible ones sits on an empty lot in the south of Kuta right next to the main road while others are hidden further in the jungle.

• Visit the waterfalls

  

  Bali is known for its many waterfalls which can be found in the dense jungle around the island. Some of the most famous ones include Tegenungan waterfall, Gitgit waterfall, Tukad Cepung waterfall and Sekumpul waterfall. Most of them are located inland and off the beaten track so factor in some time to get there. You can swim in the majority of Bali’s waterfalls which is the perfect way to cool down after a long day in the sun. 

• See the sunrise at Mount Batur

  Mount Batur is the second largest volcano on the island of Bali. It hasn’t had a major eruption since 1963 and is safe to visit. One of the best ways to see the volcano is to climb to the top in time for sunrise. The hike is fairly manageable and takes somewhere between 1,5 and 3 hours. The view of the sunrise is incredible and definitely worth the effort. Hiring a guide is mandatory and it is not advisable to attempt the climb without one. 

• See dolphins in Lovina

  

  Lovina is a small town in the north of Bali. It is one of the best spots in the area to see dolphins in the wild which is an incredible experience. Most tours go out in the early mornings in time for sunrise to spot dolphins close to the shore. Prices vary between 10-30$ depending on the size of the group and the boat. Some tours also include a snorkelling spot close by. You can book a tour with your accommodation or directly at the beach with local boat owners for a possible cheaper price. 

• Go diving in Amed

  If you are a diving enthusiast or would like to learn how to dive, Amed is the place to go. This little town in the north-east of Bali has the most beautiful underwater world in the area with incredible reefs and dive spots. But even for snorkelers, there is plenty to see such as the old Japanese shipwreck which lies in Lipah Bay. Amed is also a great place to stay for a few weeks if you’re looking for a quieter part of Bali.

• Visit Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan

  Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are two small islands close to Bali. They’re perfect for a day-trip but you can also stay for a few days if you have time. The boat ride only takes around 40 minutes and cost 20$. Nusa Penida has some of the best beaches in the area including the famous Kelingking and Diamond Beach. Nusa Lembongan is smaller than Nusa Penida but just as beautiful with incredible scenery and a relaxing atmosphere. 

• Swim with turtles on the Gili Islands

  The Gilis consist of three small islands located east of Bali close to the shore of Lombok. The largest island, Gili Trawangan is famous for its vibrant nightlife and incredible underwater world. You can swim with green sea turtles right from the beach here without having to book an expensive tour. The main mode of transport here is the bicycle, as motorized vehicles are not allowed. The Gilis lie only a boat-ride away from Bali and are perfect for a weekend trip. 

Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali has a hot, tropical climate with a distinct dry and wet season. From April to October, the weather is mostly dry with a low probability of rain and temperatures between 21°C and 32°C. The mountain regions of the island are usually slightly cooler and less humid. Most tourists tend to visit Bali between June and August when the weather is hot and sunny and the water temperature is at around 28°C. The island is busiest during this time and prices will be slightly higher.

The wet season in Bali begins in November and lasts until March. You can expect monsoon-like showers during this time which tend to happen at least once per day. Some roads can become impassable due to flooding which can slow down traffic considerably.

Temperatures are similar to those during the dry season but the humidity rises to almost 100% which can feel uncomfortable. However, you can still have sunny days in the wet season and many tourists like to visit during this time as accommodation prices are more affordable and the island is less crowded. 

One thing to note is that the ocean and beaches of Bali are at their most beautiful during the dry season. In the wet season, the sea will be rougher and tends to wash more trash and debris ashore. Underwater visibility is usually poor so it’s not the best time to visit for snorkelling or diving.

Bali for Families

While many digital nomads travel alone a growing number of remote workers are choosing to take their families with them. Although it can seem daunting to start a new life in a foreign country with kids Bali is actually a great place to live with a family. Since the weather is always warm it’s easy to find places to play and explore the great outdoors. Especially if you are renting a villa in a quieter neighborhood you can enjoy lots of time outside even when it rains. 

Bali’s large expat community means there is an incredible selection of international school and childcare options. Unfortunately, international education is expensive everywhere in the world and you can easily end up paying thousands of dollars per year for education for your children. Of course, there are local school options as well which will be a lot more affordable but will require your kids to speak Bahasa. Living in Bali will be a great opportunity for children to grow up in a bilingual environment. Bahasa is a straightforward language to learn and especially young kids will pick it up in no time.

Bali is affordable and even activities with kids won’t break the bank. Waterbom Bali is a popular waterpark that was voted the best in Asia. Spend the day here or at Bali Safari Marine Park where even the youngest can have fun and learn at the same time. The Lollypop Playland is an indoor playground in Seminyak that is great to visit on a rainy day. Of course, going to the beach will become a popular routine activity for your family and children as young as 6 years old can learn to surf. You’ll love Bali for your family and might even consider making it your permanent home.

Living in Bali

Bali Transportation

The traffic in Bali is very busy and can be tricky to navigate for those who are not used to it. The most popular way of getting around is by scooter which makes driving through the narrow streets a lot easier and faster than by car. Renting a scooter is usually very straightforward and affordable. In most cases, you don’t even need to leave a deposit or show your driver’s licence, just a passport will be enough.

Prices for renting a scooter start at around 50,000 IDR per day and 500,000 IDR per month. Renting for a longer time period will reduce the price considerably depending on your negotiating skills.

Although driving in Bali can seem daunting most people actually get used to it fairly quickly. The key is driving with the flow of traffic and not taking unnecessary risks. Always wear a helmet and take it slow in the beginning.

If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter you can always use ride-sharing services to get around Bali. These are extremely popular and very affordable. The most common apps are Gojek and Grab both of which offer rides in cars and on scooters as well as other delivery services. They work similarly to Uber and can only be used if you have an Indonesia SIM card.

Be aware though that Grab and Gojek are not very popular among the local taxi drivers. Some areas of Bali are restricted for ride-sharing services and you will have trouble finding a driver.

Taxis

Traditional taxis in Bali are usually expensive and they are known for frequent scams and ripoffs. If there is no Gojek or Grab available try to keep an eye out for Bluebird taxis which are regulated and only operate with a meter. They are easy to recognise from their blue colour and bird logo. A 10-minute taxi ride costs around 100,000 IDR, Grab and Gojek are usually significantly cheaper.

For longer distances or day-trips you could consider hiring a driver to take you around. This has the advantage that you can make multiple stops and don’t have to worry about finding different drivers. Prices for one day (8-10 hours) start at 500,000 IDR and usually include petrol as well as any parking fees (discuss this with your driver before you depart).

You can find drivers through your accommodation or online in Facebook groups. Sometimes you can also ask Grab or Gojek drivers whether they offer day packages. 

Renting or buying a car is not a very common thing for foreigners in Bali due to the busy traffic and narrow roads. Cars are much slower and parking can be tricky to find so scooters are far more useful to get around.

Public Transportation

There are few forms of public transport available in Bali. Some public busses exist that take locals and tourists between major parts of the island such as Kuta, Ubud, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran. Prices start at only 20,000 IDR for a ticket and the buses are air conditioned and even have wifi in some cases. However, they run infrequently and there are limited bus stops.

Click here to find out more about the available bus routes.

Fitness and Health

There are many great options for staying fit in Bali. The majority of digital nomads and expats like to go to one of the many gyms around the Canggu and Kuta areas. Gym memberships are usually quite pricey in Bali, however, they give you access to a great selection of different amenities such as saunas, swimming pools or fitness classes. 

Some of the most well-known gyms in Bali are the Body Factory, Nirvana Life Fitness or Hammerhead Fitness. Prices vary between 50$ and 150$ per month depending on whether you want access to all classes and amenities or just the gym. Most also have day passes available.  

If you’re on a budget and not willing to spend a large monthly fee on a gym membership you should consider learning how to surf. Surfing is one of the most popular ways of staying fit on the island and everyone should try it at least once. Surfboards are easy to rent on the beach, however, it’s much more affordable to buy one in the long run. There is no better way to start the day in Bali than with an early morning surf.

Another great way of staying fit is to try the Indonesian national sport Pencak Silat. This is a unique form of martial arts which focuses not only on the body but also incorporates elements of meditation and spirituality. There is a great selection of different martial arts schools in Bali which also teach kickboxing or muay thai. 

If you’re interested in Yoga then Bali is the place to go. Especially around the Ubud area you’ll find some of the best yoga schools around with meditation retreats and daily sessions being very popular among digital nomads.

Bali People

Approximately 4,3 million people live in Bali or the Island of Gods as it is sometimes called. This is only 1,7% of Indonesia’s population making it only a small part of what is one of the most populous countries on earth. Bali has its own culture and unique religion. 95% of the island’s inhabitants are Balinese while the remaining 5% consists of Chinese, Muslims and expats from around the world. 

The national language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, which is very similar to the language spoken in Malaysia. The Balinese people speak their own version of Bahasa Indonesia called Bahasa Bali. The two are similar but are often considered separate languages. While some locals speak both, it is advisable for digital nomads who plan to stay on the island for an extended period of time to try and learn Bahasa Bali instead of Bahasa Indonesia.

If you’re coming to Bali with no previous knowledge of the local language you’ll be pleased to know that English is widely spoken. In the tourist areas, the majority of locals speak English and even in more remote parts of Bali, you’ll be able to communicate somehow. The Balinese people are friendly and always willing to help should you need directions or assistance.

Tourists in Bali

Bali is a very popular holiday destination for tourists from around the world. As a digital nomad in Bali, you’ll soon notice the large number of Australian tourists and expats who populate the island year-round. There is also a large Russian community, especially around the Canggu area.

The most touristy part of Bali by far is Kuta. This area has been overtaken by partying tourists and is especially busy around the time of Australian “schoolies” (November-December) when thousands of young Australian graduates come to the island to celebrate. 

The Balinese people welcome tourists and expats as most of the island depends on tourism as their main source of income. However, there have been many cases of foreigners being disrespectful to the local culture and traditions. Bali is a very religious island with traditional values which need to be respected by visitors. Especially when visiting temples or sacred locations foreigners should be respectful and make sure not to break any rules.

An important thing to know about before coming to Bali as a digital nomad are the Banjar. They’re a local community police that could be compared to a neighbourhood watch. When there is a problem, the Banjar are called first even before the police. They are considered the local police and usually act in cases of cultural or religious issues.

If, for example, people are planning to host a large party in a villa this has to be discussed with the Banjar first. Every neighbourhood has its own Banjar which consists of the married men in the community. As a foreigner living in Bali it is important to respect the Banjar and their rules.

Bali Insurance and Medical Care

Wherever you go to live as a digital nomad it is always good to have medical insurance and Bali is no exception. With the large number of expats and digital nomads living on the island the medical care is quite good and easily accessible for foreigners. Many medications are available over the counter at local pharmacies and booking a visit with a doctor is usually quick and easy. The majority of medical staff in Bali speak English and are used to tourists coming to them with common problems such as injuries from scooter accidents or stomach issues. 

There are private and public hospitals in Bali, the largest being located in the south close to Denpasar and Kuta. Treatment is usually reasonably priced, however, you should always have medical insurance when living abroad. If you’re a long term digital nomad you will most likely have insurance from your own home country which is usually the most efficient and maybe even most affordable method (depending on where you’re from).

If that is not the case there are options for getting insurance in Bali. However, these are usually expensive and the coverage is very limited. Informing yourself about insurance options before you arrive is, therefore, a much smarter move. 

If you have to visit a doctor in Bali you should always take your passport with you to identify yourself. You will have to cover all costs for your medical treatments up front which will later be reimbursed by your insurance company.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Bali

Foreigners are not allowed to work in Indonesia unless they own their own business or are sponsored by a company. Therefore it is unfortunately nearly impossible to find a job such as working in a bar or restaurant in Bali legally as a foreigner. Keep in mind that this of course depends on your own nationality. There might be exceptions for some ASEAN passport holders or dual citizenships. This regulation is meant to prevent foreigners from taking jobs from locals which is a policy that needs to be respected by those planning to live and work in Indonesia. Only if your employer can prove that you’re not taking away a job from an Indonesian can you obtain a work permit.

If you’re living as a digital nomad in Bali and are trying to make some money your main options are to look for work online or invest in local businesses. It is not very difficult to start your own company in Indonesia so if you’re trying to find work this might be a good decision. Bali has a very large digital nomad community so you’ll have a good chance of finding online work through networking events or coworking spaces.

Use Facebook groups such as Bali Expats Jobs & Business to find job postings and connect with others. Just make sure you are conducting all your work online and aren’t not violating any visa requirements.

Check out our in-depth Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.